A Very Rare Meissen Kingfisher modelled by J.J. Kaendler and J.F. Eberlein. Naturalistically painted with green and turquoise wing feathers, the breast of the kingfisher is painted tawny brown enhanced with incised detail for further texture. The kingfisher is perched on a moulded rockwork base with applied leaves and an acorn.

A kingfisher modelled by J.J. Kaendler is recorded in his work report dated September 1735 which states ‘Modelled a kingfisher sitting on a small stone precipice somewhat overgrown with leaves’.

In March 1736, it is recorded that four models of kingfishers were delivered to the Japanese Palace.

Furthermore, mention of another kingfisher modelled by Eberlein appears in his work records dated May 1739.

In the historical inventory records of 1770, two coloured kingfishers are mentioned with a subsequent note which mentions that they were broken during cleaning.

See a similar example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (1976.155.122)

See a similar example in the Lucy Truman Aldrich Collection in the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence